Dr. Heather McCarter, DC
As school becomes more demanding and homework more prevalent, backpacks
become more laden with heavy books and school-related material.
Young children are required to carry more than their little bodies
can handle resulting in an increase in childhood back pain, scoliosis,
headaches, neck pain, and shoulder pain. Here are a few tips
for parents and their children as the school year gets underway.
Make sure the backpack weighs no more than 5-10% of the child's body
weight
Make sure the backpack does not hang more than 4 inches below waistline.
Make sure both shoulder straps are worn.
Wide, padded straps help distribute weight.
Individual compartments help disperse weight more evenly.
Talk to the teacher if the backpack is still too heavy. See
if the teacher will allow for locker stops in between classes or if
children can leave their heaviest books in class.
These are just a few tips to help prevent back injuries in children
and young adults.
Contact Dr. McCarter at McCarter Chiropractic Clinic, Inc., 4315
Emerson Ave, Parkersburg, WV, 1-800-660-BACK or drheather@mccarterchiropractic.com.
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